JP2001344054A - Display input unit, input device, input method and image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display input unit whose operability is satisfactory and an image pickup device to which the display input unit can be applied. SOLUTION: This device is provided with: an instruction input unit 200 which includes a liquid crystal display part 202 and whose attitude is displaced according to pressurization; and a pressurization sensing unit 250 which senses the pressurization to the instruction input unit 200. Then, a switch function is realized on the basis of the information sensed by the pressurization sensing unit 250.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display input unit and an image pickup apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a display input unit for inputting a user's instruction to a device, an input device that can use the display input unit, an input method that can be used in the input device, and an imaging device that can use the input device. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the remarkable progress of digital cameras, the number of functions that can be set by the user has increased and complicated button operations have been required. Therefore, the development of a more user-friendly input unit has been required.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a display input unit, an input device, an input method, and an image pickup device which can solve the above-mentioned problems. This object is achieved by a combination of features described in the independent claims. The dependent claims define further advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0004]

That is, a display input unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display unit, and an instruction input unit that changes its posture in response to pressing, and a pressing operation on the instruction input unit. And a pressure sensing unit for sensing the pressure.

[0005] A switch unit that is activated by being pressed by the instruction input unit may be further provided.

[0006] The input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises:
An input device for inputting a user's instruction to a device, the instruction input unit causing a change in posture in response to a press, a press sensing unit for sensing a press on the instruction input unit, and a press on the instruction input unit A display input unit having a liquid crystal display unit that displays information indicating a function to be performed by the device in accordance with the display input control unit that controls the display input unit. Based on the sensed information, a pressing direction obtaining unit that obtains a pressing direction, a switch setting unit that associates a pressing direction with a function to be performed by the device, and an instruction to execute a function associated with the pressing direction. And a switch transmitting unit for transmitting the power to the switch.

[0007] The apparatus may further include a pressing strength obtaining section for obtaining a pressing strength based on information sensed by the pressing sensing unit, and the switch setting section may associate the pressing strength with a function. Information indicating a function associated with the pressing direction may be displayed at a display position corresponding to the pressing direction when viewed from a position near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit. The liquid crystal display unit may display information related to the operation state of the device. A switch unit that is activated by being pressed by the instruction input unit may be further provided. The liquid crystal display unit may display information indicating a function associated with the switch unit. The liquid crystal display unit may be configured to emit a plurality of background colors, and the background color may be determined based on an operation state of the device.

A method according to a first aspect of the present invention is a method for inputting a user's instruction to an apparatus, the method including associating a displacement direction of an instruction input unit for inputting an instruction with a function of the apparatus. Displaying the indicated information on the liquid crystal display unit, sensing the pressing on the instruction input unit, obtaining the displacement direction of the instruction input unit caused by the pressing, and determining the function associated with the displacement direction And instructing execution of the function.

[0009] The imaging apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises:
An imaging device for capturing an image, an instruction input unit that causes a change in posture in response to pressing, a pressure sensing unit that senses pressing on the instruction input unit, and a pressing unit that responds to pressing on the instruction input unit. A display input unit having a liquid crystal display unit for displaying information indicating a function to be executed by the device, and a display input control unit for controlling the display input unit.

The above summary of the present invention does not list all of the necessary features of the present invention, and a sub-combination of these features may also be an invention.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the present invention. However, the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention and have the features described in the embodiments. Not all combinations are essential to the solution of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the entire configuration of a digital camera 10 as an example of an image pickup apparatus according to the present invention. The display input unit 116 and the display input control unit 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The digital camera 10 mainly includes an imaging unit 20, an imaging control unit 40, a processing unit 60, a display unit 100, and an operation unit 11.
Contains 0.

The imaging unit 20 includes a mechanism member and an electric member related to photographing and image formation. Imaging unit 20
First, a photographing lens 22 for capturing and processing images,
An aperture 24, a shutter 26, an optical LPF (low-pass filter) 28, a CCD 30, and an image signal processing unit 32 are included. The taking lens 22 includes a focus lens, a zoom lens, and the like. With this configuration, the subject image is
Image on the light receiving surface of. Charges are accumulated in each sensor element (not shown) of the CCD 30 according to the amount of light of the formed subject image (hereinafter, the charges are referred to as “accumulated charges”). The accumulated charge is read out to a shift register (not shown) by a read gate pulse, and is sequentially read out as a voltage signal by a register transfer pulse.

Since the digital camera 10 generally has an electronic shutter function, a mechanical shutter such as the shutter 26 is not essential. In order to realize the electronic shutter function, the CCD 30 is provided with a shutter drain via a shutter gate. When the shutter gate is driven, accumulated charges are swept out to the shutter drain. By controlling the shutter gate, the time for accumulating the electric charges in each sensor element, that is, the shutter speed can be controlled.

A voltage signal output from the CCD 30, that is, an analog signal is color-separated into R, G, and B components by an image signal processing unit 32, and a white balance is adjusted first.
Subsequently, the imaging signal processing unit 32 performs gamma correction, sequentially A / D converts the R, G, and B signals at necessary timing, and obtains digital image data (hereinafter, simply referred to as “digital image data”) obtained as a result. ) Is output to the processing unit 60.

The image pickup unit 20 further includes a finder 3
4 and a strobe 36. The finder 34 may be equipped with an LCD (not shown). In this case, various information from the main CPU 62 and the like described later can be displayed in the finder 34. The strobe 36 functions by emitting light when energy stored in a capacitor (not shown) is supplied to the discharge tube 36a.

The imaging control unit 40 includes a zoom drive unit 4
2. It has a focus drive unit 44, an aperture drive unit 46, a shutter drive unit 48, an imaging system CPU 50 that controls them, a distance measurement sensor 52, and a photometry sensor 54. The driving units such as the zoom driving unit 42 each have a driving unit such as a stepping motor. When a release switch 114 described later is pressed, the distance measurement sensor 52 measures the distance to the subject, and the photometry sensor 54 measures the brightness of the subject. The measured distance data (hereinafter simply referred to as “distance measurement data”) and the subject luminance data (hereinafter simply referred to as “photometry data”) are sent to the imaging system CPU 50. Imaging system CPU 50
Controls the zoom drive unit 42 and the focus drive unit 44 to adjust the zoom magnification and focus of the photographing lens 22 based on the photographing information such as the zoom magnification designated by the user.

The image pickup system CPU 50 controls the R of one image frame.
The aperture value and the shutter speed are determined based on the integrated value of the digital signal of GB, that is, the AE information. According to the determined values, the aperture driving unit 46 and the shutter driving unit 48 adjust the aperture amount and open and close the shutter 26, respectively.

The imaging system CPU 50 controls the emission of the strobe light 36 based on the photometric data, and at the same time adjusts the aperture of the aperture 26. When the user instructs the capture of an image, the CCD 30 starts to accumulate electric charges, and the accumulated electric charges are output to the imaging signal processing unit 32 after a lapse of a shutter time calculated from the photometric data.

The processing unit 60 includes the digital camera 10
The main C that controls the whole, especially the processing unit 60 itself
PU 62 and memory control unit 6 controlled by PU 62
4, a YC processing unit 70, an optional device control unit 74, a compression / decompression processing unit 78, and a communication I / F unit 80. Main C
The PU 62 is connected to the imaging CPU 5 by serial communication or the like.
Necessary information is exchanged with 0. Main CPU6
The second operation clock is provided from a clock generator 88. The clock generator 88 also provides clocks having different frequencies to the imaging system CPU 50 and the display unit 100, respectively.

The main CPU 62 is provided with a character generator 84 and a timer 86. The timer 86 is backed up by a battery and always counts the date and time.
From this count value, information about the shooting date and time and other time information are given to the main CPU 62. The character generation unit 84 generates character information such as a shooting date and time and a title, and the character information is appropriately combined with the captured image.

The memory control unit 64 includes a nonvolatile memory 66
And the main memory 68. Non-volatile memory 66
Is constituted by an EEPROM (electrically erasable and programmable ROM) or a flash memory, and stores data to be retained even when the power of the digital camera 10 is off, such as setting information by a user and adjustment values at the time of shipment. ing. The non-volatile memory 66 may have a main CP
A boot program or a system program of U62 may be stored. On the other hand, the main memory 68 generally has a D
It is composed of a relatively inexpensive and large-capacity memory such as a RAM. The main memory 68 has a function as a frame memory for storing data output from the imaging unit 20, a function as a system memory for loading various programs, and a function as a work area. The non-volatile memory 66 and the main memory 68
Data is exchanged with each unit inside and outside the unit 0 via the main bus 82.

The YC processing section 70 performs YC conversion on the digital image data, and outputs a luminance signal Y and a color difference (chroma) signal B-
Generate Y, RY. The luminance signal and the color difference signal are temporarily stored in the main memory 68 by the memory control unit 64.
The compression / decompression processing unit 78 sequentially reads out the luminance signal and the color difference signal from the main memory 68 and compresses them. The data thus compressed (hereinafter simply referred to as “compressed data”) is written to a memory card, which is a type of the optional device 76, via the optional device control section 74.

The processing unit 60 further includes an encoder 72
With. The encoder 72 receives a luminance signal and a color difference signal, converts them into a video signal (NTSC or PAL signal), and outputs the video signal from a video output terminal 90. When a video signal is generated from data recorded in the optional device 76, the data is first supplied to the compression / decompression processing unit 78 via the optional device control unit 74. Subsequently, the data subjected to the necessary expansion processing by the compression / expansion processing unit 78 is converted into a video signal by the encoder 72.

The optional device control section 74 generates necessary signals between the main bus 82 and the optional device 76, performs logical conversion, or converts voltage according to the signal specifications recognized by the optional device 76 and the bus specifications of the main bus 82. And so on. The digital camera 10 may include, for example, a PCM as an optional device 76 in addition to the above-described memory card.
A standard CIA-compliant standard I / O card may be supported. In that case, the optional device control unit 74
It may be constituted by an IA bus control LSI or the like.

The communication I / F section 80 is provided for the digital camera 10
Communication specifications supported by, for example, USB, RS-23
It performs control such as protocol conversion according to specifications such as 2C and Ethernet (registered trademark). The communication I / F unit 80 includes a driver IC as necessary, and communicates with an external device including a network via a connector 92. In addition to such a standard specification, for example, data may be exchanged with an external device such as a printer or a game machine by a unique I / F.

The display unit 100 includes an LCD monitor 10
2 and an LCD panel 104. These are the LCD driver monitor driver 106, panel driver 10
8 respectively. LCD monitor 102
Is provided on the back of the camera with a size of, for example, about 2 inches, and displays a current shooting and playback mode, a zoom ratio for shooting and playback, a remaining battery level, a date and time, a screen for mode setting, a subject image, and the like. . The LCD panel 104 is, for example, a small black-and-white LCD provided on the upper surface of the camera and has an image quality (FINE).
/ NORMAL / BASIC etc.), information such as strobe light emission / non-light emission, standard number of recordable images, number of pixels, battery capacity, etc. are simply displayed.

The operation unit 110 includes mechanisms and electrical members necessary for the user to set or instruct the operation and the mode of the digital camera 10. The power switch 112 determines whether the power of the digital camera 10 is turned on or off. The release switch 114 has a two-stage pressing structure of half pressing and full pressing. For example, when the digital camera 10 is in the still image shooting mode, the AF and AE are locked by half-pressing the release switch 114, and the shot image is captured by fully pressing the release switch 114, and after necessary signal processing, data compression, and the like. , Main memory 68, optional device 76
Etc. are recorded. When the digital camera 10 is in the moving image shooting mode, AF and AE are locked when the release switch 114 is half-pressed, and recording of a moving image is started when the release switch 114 is fully pressed. The moving image recording may be performed while the release switch 114 is kept pressed, and the moving image recording may be stopped when the release switch 114 is released.
Even if the release switch 114 is once turned off, the recording of the moving image may be continuously performed, and the recording of the moving image may be stopped when the release switch 114 is pressed again. The display input unit 116 has a function of inputting various instructions from a user. Display input unit 116
Also has a function as a zoom switch, and can specify a zoom magnification. Mode switch 122
Is used to set the operation mode of the digital camera 10. Examples of operations or functions that can be specified by the operation unit 110 include “file format”, “special effects”, “printing”, “determine / save”, and “display switching”. The signal from each switch of the operation unit 110 is
The information is transmitted to the processing unit 60, and necessary processing is performed.

FIG. 2 shows a digital camera 10 according to this embodiment.
The appearance of is shown. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view seen from above a surface located on the user side when using the digital camera 10. A display input unit 116 is arranged on a surface of the digital camera 10 located on the user side. FIG. 2 shows an instruction input unit 200 including a liquid crystal display unit 202 among the display input units 116. The display input unit 116 includes the digital camera 1
Various functions are freely assigned according to the operation mode of “0”. For example, when the digital camera 10 is in an imaging standby state, a zoom switch function is assigned, and when the digital camera 10 is in a movie playback state,
Functions such as "play", "stop", and "fast forward" are assigned. The liquid crystal display unit 202 displays information indicating a function associated with the pressing direction at a position corresponding to the pressing direction when viewed from a position near the center of gravity. The liquid crystal display unit 2
In the vicinity of the center of 02, information related to the operation state of the digital camera 10 is displayed. The display content of the liquid crystal display unit 202 is determined by a switch setting unit 330 described later or the like and transmitted to the liquid crystal display unit 202 via a driver (not shown).

An LCD monitor 10 as an example of a display unit is provided on a surface of the digital camera 10 located on the user side.
2 are arranged. Since the LCD monitor 102 and the display input unit 116 are arranged on the same surface, the user can operate while simultaneously viewing the display content of the LCD monitor 102 and the display content of the liquid crystal display unit 202 of the display input unit 116. . For example, LCD
A desired function can be set by pressing the instruction input unit 200 of the display input unit 116 while displaying a menu on the monitor 102 and visually checking the contents and the display of the liquid crystal display unit 202 of the display input unit 116. . In addition, even if the display on the liquid crystal display unit 202 becomes invisible when a finger is placed to operate the instruction input unit 200, necessary information can be displayed on the LCD monitor 102. The LCD monitor 102 and the liquid crystal display unit 202 may be arranged on two adjacent housing surfaces of the digital camera 10 respectively. For example,
The LCD monitor 102 may be arranged on the back of the digital camera 10, and the liquid crystal display unit 202 may be arranged on the top of the digital camera 10. Also at this time, the user can operate while simultaneously viewing the display contents of the LCD monitor 102 and the display contents of the liquid crystal display unit 202.

The display surfaces of the LCD monitor 102 and the liquid crystal display unit 202 may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the housing surface. Usually, when the user uses the digital camera 10, the user often operates at a position lower than the eyes.
At this time, if the display surfaces of the LCD monitor 102 and the liquid crystal display unit 202 are arranged so that the upper side is inclined backward and the lower side is inclined forward, the angle between the user's line of sight and the liquid crystal display surface becomes close to a right angle. Therefore, it becomes easy to see.

The display input unit 116 may be arranged on the right side and above the center of the surface of the digital camera 10 located on the user side. According to this, when the user holds the digital camera 10 with the right hand, the thumb is placed at the position of the display input unit 116, so that the operation can be easily performed with one hand.

On the surface of the digital camera 10 located on the user side, a finder 34 and a power switch 112 are additionally provided.
Etc. are arranged. These may be provided on other surfaces.

On the upper surface of the digital camera 10, an LCD panel 104, a release switch 114, a mode switch 122 and the like are arranged. The LCD panel 104 is arranged on the upper surface of the digital camera 10 so as to be easily viewed during operation. The release switch 114 and the mode switch 122 are arranged at positions where the index finger touches when the user holds the digital camera 10 with the right hand.
According to this, the digital camera 10 can be easily operated with one hand.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show an example of the display input unit 116 of this embodiment. FIG. 3A shows a display surface of the display input unit 116. Instruction input unit 20
0 includes the liquid crystal display unit 202 integrally. FIG.
FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. The display input unit 116 includes an instruction input unit 200 including a liquid crystal display unit 202, a pressure sensing unit 250, and a support 260. When the area around the surface including the display surface of the liquid crystal display unit 202 is pressed, the instruction input unit 200 is displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the housing surface with the support 260 located near the center of gravity as a fulcrum. Thus, the instruction input unit 200 changes its posture in response to the pressing. The press sensing unit 250
It is provided on the side surface of the support 260 of the instruction input unit 200. The pressure sensing unit 250 may be provided integrally with the support 260 of the instruction input unit 200. The pressure sensing unit 250 includes, for example, a thick film resistor that causes a change in resistance due to strain, and senses a slight strain due to a displacement of the attitude of the instruction input unit 200,
The information is transmitted to the display input control unit 300. Prop 260
Are formed as rectangular prisms, and thick-film resistors are arranged on the four side surfaces thereof, so that the pressing sensing unit 25
0 may be realized. According to this configuration, since the distortion components in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be sensed, the displacement direction and the displacement intensity of the instruction input unit 200 can be known by combining these four components as a vector.
As such a pressure sensing unit 250, for example,
The technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-302163 can also be used.

The support 260 is provided with the instruction input unit 200.
And functions as a fulcrum. The liquid crystal display unit 202 is provided inside the support 260.
A signal path (not shown) for transmitting a signal necessary for the communication is provided.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show another example of the display input unit 116 of this embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a display surface of the display input unit 116. The instruction input unit 200 integrally includes a liquid crystal display unit 202. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ in FIG. The display input unit 116 includes an instruction input unit 200 including a liquid crystal display unit 202, a switch unit 210, a contact unit 220, and a press sensing unit 25.
0, and the strut 260. Press sensing unit 2
50 is the same as the configuration shown in FIG.

A switch unit 210 is provided below the instruction input unit 200. When the display input unit 116 is pressed, the switch unit 210 is pressed by the instruction input unit 200 and operates.
The switch unit 210 may be realized by a metal dome switch or the like. According to such a configuration,
For example, by realizing a cross key or a direction key using the instruction input unit 200 and the press sensing unit 250 and realizing an execution button using the switch unit 210, it is possible to provide an input device with better operability. it can.

The contact section 220 is connected to the instruction input unit 200
Is provided to give the user a tactile sensation of pressing a switch when is pressed. Contact part 220
May be provided, for example, at four positions, up, down, left, and right as viewed from the support 250. As a result, the same operational feeling as the cross key can be provided.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the display input unit 1.
16 shows another example. FIG. 5A shows a display surface of the display input unit 116. In this example, the liquid crystal display unit 202 has the function of the instruction input unit 200. FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line CC ′ in FIG. The display input unit 116 includes an instruction input unit 200 including a liquid crystal display unit 202, a pressure sensing unit 250, and a support 260.
Each configuration and operation is the same as that of the display input unit 116 shown in FIG. According to this configuration, the display input unit 116 can be realized with a simple configuration.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the display input unit 1.
16 shows another example. FIG. 6A shows a display surface of the display input unit 116. In this example, the instruction input unit 200 is located near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit 202.
Is provided. FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD ′ in FIG. Display input unit 1
16 is an instruction input unit 200, a liquid crystal display unit 2
02, a pressure sensing unit 250, and a switch unit 210. In this example, a hole is provided near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit 202, and a rod-shaped instruction input unit 200 is provided in the hole. At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 202 may be fixed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the display input unit 116 shown in FIG. According to this configuration, the display input unit 116 can be realized with a simple configuration. The liquid crystal display unit 202 may be divided into a plurality of parts. The instruction input unit 200 may be arranged at a position other than the vicinity of the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit 202.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show the display input unit 1.
16 shows another example. FIG. 7A shows a display surface of the display input unit 116. The instruction input unit 200 integrally includes a liquid crystal display unit 202. FIG. 7 (b)
FIG. 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line EE ′ in FIG.
The display input unit 116 includes an instruction input unit 200,
It has a liquid crystal display unit 202, a pressure sensing unit 250, a support 260, and a switch unit 210.
In this example, the pressure sensing unit 250 is
60 is provided on the lower surface. By arranging thick-film resistors for sensing strain or pressure at four positions, up, down, left and right, around the center of gravity, the pressure sensing unit 2
50 may be realized. A unit in which the switch unit 210 and the pressure sensing unit 250 are integrally configured may be used. According to this configuration, the pressure components in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be sensed, so that the pressing direction and the pressing strength of the instruction input unit 200 can be known by combining these four components as a vector.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the display input unit 1.
16 shows another example. FIG. 8A shows a display surface of the display input unit 116. The instruction input unit 200 integrally includes a liquid crystal display unit 202. FIG. 8 (b)
FIG. 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line FF ′ in FIG.
The display input unit 116 includes an instruction input unit 200 including a liquid crystal display unit 202, and a press sensing unit 25.
0, and the strut 260. In this example,
The pressure sensing unit 250 is provided on the lower surface of the instruction input unit 200. By arranging thick film resistors for sensing strain or pressure at four positions, up, down, left, and right around the position of the column 260, the pressure sensing unit 25
0 may be realized.

The shape of the instruction input unit 200 and the liquid crystal display unit 202 is not limited to a circle, but may be a square, a rectangle, an ellipse, or any other shape. The switch unit 210 may be, for example, a switch that is activated by being pressed, such as a metal dome switch, or an optical switch.

As described above, the instruction input unit 200 having the function of a cross key with good operability and the function of a direction key capable of inputting an arbitrary direction is combined with the liquid crystal display unit 202 having a high degree of display freedom. As a result, the following effects are expected. First, since various functions are freely assigned to the instruction input unit 200, the number of operation buttons can be reduced.
In addition, since a necessary operation in the operation mode can be appropriately assigned to the instruction input unit 200, the trouble of searching for a button can be omitted, and the operation can be performed easily.
At this time, the liquid crystal display unit 202 displays information indicating the function associated with the pressing direction at a position corresponding to the pressing direction, so that the user changes the function assigned to the pressing direction of the instruction input unit 200. Can be operated while visually recognizing the currently assigned function. Since the function assigned to the pressing direction of the instruction input unit 200 is displayed by the liquid crystal display unit 202, the function of each operation button does not need to be printed on the exterior member, and the cost can be reduced. Further, by arranging the instruction input unit 200 and the liquid crystal display unit 202 integrally or in the vicinity, the user can intuitively understand and operate the operation method without moving his / her eyes. Further, compared to a case where the instruction input unit 200 and the liquid crystal display unit 202 are separately arranged, a small and simple structure can be achieved. When the operation mode of the digital camera 10 is further displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 202, the user does not need to check the state of the mode switch 122,
The operation can be performed while visually confirming the current operation mode.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic functional block of the display input control unit 300. Display input control unit 300
Includes a pressing direction obtaining unit 310, a pressing strength obtaining unit 320, a switch setting unit 330, and a switch transmitting unit 340. The display input control unit 300 is an example of FIG.
Of the main CPU 62 and programs stored or loaded in the main memory 68 or the non-volatile memory 66. When the main CPU 62 has a built-in memory, necessary programs may be stored in the memory and various functions may be realized as firmware. Although FIG. 9 describes each function of the display input control unit 300 as a unitary structure, these units are not necessarily physically unitary and do not need to be physically unitary. There is considerable freedom in designing the digital camera 10 to realize the function of the display input control unit 300.

The pressing direction obtaining unit 310 and the pressing intensity obtaining unit 320 obtain the direction and intensity of the pressing applied to the instruction input unit 200 based on the information transmitted from the pressing sensing unit 250, respectively. The pressure sensing unit 250 is located at the front, rear, left and right of the instruction input unit 200.
In the case where it is provided at a plurality of locations, it is possible to obtain the pressing direction and the pressing strength by obtaining the strain components calculated from the changes in the respective resistance values and combining them with vectors.

The switch setting section 330 includes a main CPU 6
Based on the instruction transmitted from the second or the like, switch information that associates the pressing direction and pressing strength of the instruction input unit 200 with the function to be executed by the digital camera 10 is set. In addition, information that associates the switch unit 210 with a function to be executed by the digital camera 10 is set. At this time, display information indicating a function associated with the pressing direction and pressing strength of the instruction input unit 200 is transmitted to the liquid crystal display unit 202. Switch transmission unit 34
0 is the pressing direction obtaining unit 310 and the pressing strength obtaining unit 32
When information on the pressing direction and the pressing strength is transmitted from 0,
By referring to the switch information set in the switch setting unit 330, it is determined what the associated function is. At this time, if the function is associated, the main CP
It informs U62 and the like to execute the function. If the function is not associated, the execution of the function is not instructed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the input method of the present embodiment. First, the switch information is set in the switch setting section 330 by the main program executed in the main CPU 62 and the like (S10).
0). Subsequently, the switch setting unit 330 transmits display information indicating a function associated with the pressing direction and the pressing strength to the liquid crystal display unit 202 (S102). Subsequently, it is determined whether the pressure sensing unit 250 has sensed the pressure (S104). If the press is not detected, the process proceeds to N, and the monitoring is continued until the press is detected. If the pressing is sensed, the process proceeds to Y, and the pressing direction obtaining unit 310 obtains the pressing direction and transmits it to the switch transmitting unit 340 (S106).
Subsequently, the pressing strength obtaining unit 320 obtains the pressing strength,
The signal is transmitted to the switch transmission unit 340 (S108). Next, the switch transmission unit 340 determines whether or not the function is associated with the pressing direction and the pressing strength with reference to the switch setting unit 330 (S110). If there is no corresponding function, proceed to N and again press the pressure sensing unit 250
To monitor. If there is a corresponding function, the process proceeds to Y, and the switch transmitting unit 340 instructs the main CPU 62 and the like to execute the function (S112). If it is necessary to change the switch function, for example, by switching the mode switch 122 during the process, the process returns to S100, and the switch function is set in the switch setting unit 330 again.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show the state of the mode switch 122 and a display example of the LCD monitor 102 when the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment is in the still image shooting mode. FIG. 11A shows a state where the mode switch 122 is set to the still image shooting mode. FIG.
(B) shows a display example of the LCD monitor 102. LCD
An image captured by the imaging unit 20 is displayed on the monitor 102.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the digital camera 1.
Switch setting unit 3 when 0 is a still image shooting mode
Switch information set by 30 and liquid crystal display unit 2
02 shows a display example. FIG. 12A shows switch information set by the switch setting unit 330. The switch information includes a pressing direction and pressing strength of the instruction input unit 200, a function to be executed by the digital camera 10, and display information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 202. The pressing direction is specified by the angle shown in FIG. The pressing strength is set in two steps in the present embodiment. If the pressing strength acquired by the pressing strength acquisition unit is within the range of strength 1, the function associated with strength 1 is executed, and if the pressing strength is within the range of strength 2, the function associated with strength 2 is executed. According to such a configuration, two or more functions can be associated with the same pressing direction. The stage of the pressing strength may be one stage, or may be two or more stages.

For example, when viewed from the position near the center of gravity of the instruction input unit 200, a direction from 0 ° to 40 ° and from 320 ° to 360 °, that is, a position in the upward direction is pressed, the pressing strength becomes 1 strength. If, the optical zoom-in function is executed, and if the pressing strength is intensity 2, the electronic zoom-in function is executed. Instruction input unit 20
When a direction from 50 degrees to 130 degrees as viewed from the position near the center of gravity of 0, that is, a position in the right direction is pressed, if the pressing strength is strength 1 or strength 2, the macro mode setting function is executed.

FIG. 12B shows a liquid crystal display unit 202.
An example of display is shown. Near the center of the liquid crystal display unit 202, a symbol indicating that the digital camera 10 is currently in the still image shooting mode is displayed. In addition, at a display position corresponding to the pressing direction as viewed from a position near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit 202, information indicating a function associated with the pressing direction is displayed. Display information indicating the function associated with the pressing direction is set in the switch setting unit 330 illustrated in FIG. For example, since the enlargement zoom function is assigned to the upper direction, the display information indicating the enlargement zoom function is assigned to the right direction, and the short distance shooting mode setting function is assigned to the right direction. Are displayed, respectively. As the background color of the liquid crystal display unit 202, for example, orange indicating that the digital camera 10 is in a shooting state is selected. When the enlargement zoom processing is assigned to the upward pressing and the reduction zoom processing is assigned to the downward pressing, the user can change the pressing direction because the relative direction viewed from the liquid crystal display unit 202 corresponds to the function. A correct operation can be performed intuitively without knowing the meaning of the function or symbol associated with.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the state of the mode switch 122 and a display example on the LCD monitor 102 when the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment is in the moving image playback mode. FIG. 13A shows a state where the mode switch 122 is set to the moving image reproduction mode. FIG.
(B) shows a display example of the LCD monitor 102. LCD
The monitor 102 displays the moving image read out from the main memory 68 or the optional device 76 and reproduced.

FIGS. 14A and 14B show the digital camera 1.
Switch setting unit 33 when 0 is the moving image playback mode
Switch information set to 0 and the liquid crystal display unit 20
2 shows a display example. FIG. 14A shows the switch setting unit 3
Reference numeral 30 denotes the set switch information. For example, when viewed from the position near the center of gravity of the instruction input unit 200, 0 to 40 degrees
When pressing a position in the direction up to and from 320 to 360 degrees, that is, in the upward direction, if the pressing strength is strength 1, the optical zoom-in function is executed, and the pressing strength is strength 1 or strength 2. If so, the video playback stop function is executed. When the direction from 50 degrees to 130 degrees as viewed from the position near the center of gravity of the instruction input unit 200 is pressed, that is, when the position on the right is pressed, if the pressing strength is strength 1, the fast-forward function is executed, and the pressing strength is reduced. If the strength is 2, the function of moving to the next file is executed.

FIG. 14B shows a liquid crystal display unit 202.
An example of display is shown. Near the center of the liquid crystal display unit 202, a symbol indicating that the digital camera 10 is currently in the moving image playback mode is displayed. In addition, at a display position corresponding to the pressing direction as viewed from a position near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit 202, information indicating a function associated with the pressing direction is displayed. The display information indicating the function associated with the pressing direction is set by the switch setting unit 330 illustrated in FIG. For example, the display information indicating the stop function is assigned to the upward direction because the stop function is assigned, and the fast forward function and the function to move to the next file are assigned to the right direction. Information and display information indicating a function of moving to the next file are displayed, respectively. Liquid crystal display unit 2
As the background color 02, for example, green indicating that the digital camera 10 is in the playback state is selected. When the fast forward function and the next file moving function are assigned to pressing to the right, and the rewind function and the previous file moving function are assigned to pressing to the left, the functions correspond to the relative direction viewed from the liquid crystal display unit 202. Therefore, the user can intuitively perform a correct operation without knowing the meaning of the function or the symbol associated with the pressing direction.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show a state of the mode switch 122 and a display example of the LCD monitor 102 when the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment is in the map reproduction mode. FIG. 15A shows a state where the mode switch 122 is set to the map reproduction mode. FIG.
(B) shows a display example of the LCD monitor 102. LCD
The reproduced map information is displayed on the monitor 102.

FIGS. 16A and 16B show the digital camera 1.
Switch setting unit 33 when 0 is in the map playback mode
Switch information set to 0 and the liquid crystal display unit 20
2 shows a display example. FIG. 16A illustrates the switch setting unit 3.
Reference numeral 30 denotes the set switch information. The switch information is
It includes the pressing direction and pressing strength of the instruction input unit 200, functions to be executed by the digital camera 10, and display information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 202. In this example, the instruction input unit 200 has a function as a direction key for moving the selection range 420 shown in FIG. If the pressing strength is strength 1, the selection range 420
Is executed at a low speed in the pressing direction. If the pressing strength is 2, the function of moving the selection range 420 at a high speed in the pressing direction is executed. Further, in this example, the switch setting unit 330 includes the switch unit 210
Is associated with a function of displaying detailed information of the selection range 420.

FIG. 16B shows a liquid crystal display unit 202.
An example of display is shown. On the liquid crystal display unit 202, detailed information of the selection range 420 is displayed. An arrow indicating that the instruction input unit 200 has a function as a direction input key is displayed at a display position corresponding to the pressing direction as viewed from a position near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit 202.

In this example, the instruction input unit 20
Since 0 has a function as a direction input key and a function to display detailed information, the operability is very good. When the user attempts to display the detailed information of the desired place, first, the user moves the selection range 420 to the desired place by pressing the position near the outer periphery of the instruction input unit 200, and finally presses the position near the center of gravity. Switch unit 2
By activating 10, the detailed information can be displayed. As described above, the display input unit 116 having both the direction input key and the execution button and having high operability enables not only the detailed map information display function in this example but also an effective input method in various situations. Can be provided.

Display input control unit 300 of the present embodiment
According to this, since the pressing direction can be set arbitrarily, it can function as an arbitrary number of switches or direction input means, not limited to four directions of up, down, left and right. Also,
Since the pressing strength can also be set arbitrarily, an arbitrary number of multi-stage switches can be realized. Further, the function associated with the pressing direction and the pressing strength can be dynamically changed.

The background color of the liquid crystal display unit 202 is determined mainly by the main CPU 62 or the like based on the operation state of the digital camera 10. Liquid crystal display unit 20
The second background color may be realized as a backlight lighting color. The backlight may be turned on for a predetermined time when the operation mode is changed, and then turned off. According to this, power consumption can be suppressed. For example, red and green LEDs may be used for the backlight, and in this case, three colors of red, green, and orange can be realized. Orange is achieved by turning on both red and green LEDs. For example, when the digital camera 10 is in a shooting state, orange is selected as a background color, when the digital camera 10 is in a reproducing state, green is selected as a background color, and when a warning such as an error is displayed, the background color is selected. May be selected as red. According to this, the user can know the operation state of the digital camera 10 more intuitively. When the liquid crystal display unit 202 is a color liquid crystal, the background color may be realized by coloring portions other than information such as symbols with the same color.

The background color of the liquid crystal display unit 202 may be changed according to the recording folder when recording information.
For example, when a private folder is selected, green may be selected as the background color, and when a work folder is selected, orange may be selected as the background color. According to this, when the user selects the recording folder, the user can know the purpose only by looking at the color, and can prevent an erroneous operation.

In this embodiment, the digital camera has been described as an example of the image pickup apparatus. However, the display input unit and the display input control unit of the present invention are not limited to the image pickup apparatus such as a silver halide camera, a video camera and the like. It can also be used in portable devices.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiment. It is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be added to the above embodiment. It is apparent from the description of the appended claims that embodiments with such changes or improvements can be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0066]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a display input unit having good operability, an input device capable of using the display input unit, an input method usable in the input device, and an input thereof An imaging device that can use the device can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an entire configuration of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the digital camera.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic cross-sectional views of a display input unit. FIG.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of a display input unit.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic cross-sectional views of a display input unit.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic cross-sectional views of a display input unit.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic cross-sectional views of a display input unit.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic cross-sectional views of a display input unit.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing schematic functional blocks of a display input control unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an input method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing a state of a mode switch and a display example of an LCD monitor.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating switch information of a switch setting unit and a display example of a liquid crystal display unit.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a state of a mode switch and a display example of an LCD monitor.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating switch information of a switch setting unit and a display example of a liquid crystal display unit.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are diagrams showing a state of a mode switch and a display example of an LCD monitor.

16A and 16B are diagrams illustrating switch information of a switch setting unit and a display example of a liquid crystal display unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 digital camera 20 imaging unit 40 imaging control unit 60 processing unit 100 display unit 110 operation unit 116 input unit 200 instruction input unit 202 liquid crystal display unit 210 switch unit 220 contact section 250 press sensing unit 260 support section

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H03M 11/04 H01H 25/06 B 11/22 G06F 3/023 310A H01H 25/04 25/06

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An instruction input unit for changing a posture in response to a press, and a press sensing unit for sensing a press on the instruction input unit, wherein the instruction input unit integrally includes a liquid crystal display unit. A display input unit characterized in that: 2. The display input unit according to claim 1, further comprising a switch unit that is activated by being pressed by the instruction input unit. 3. An input device for inputting a user's instruction to a device, comprising: an instruction input unit that changes a posture in response to a press; a press sensing unit that senses a press on the instruction input unit; A display input unit having a liquid crystal display unit that displays information indicating a function to be performed by the device in response to the pressing on the instruction input unit; anda display input control unit that controls the display input unit. The display input control unit, based on the information sensed by the press sensing unit, a pressing direction obtaining unit that obtains information of a pressing direction, a switch setting unit that associates the pressing direction with a function to be executed by the device. A switch transmitting unit that transmits an instruction for executing the function associated with the pressing direction to the device. That input device. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing strength acquisition unit configured to obtain information on a pressing strength based on the information sensed by the pressing sensing unit, wherein the switch setting unit associates the pressing strength with the function. The input device according to claim 3, wherein 5. The liquid crystal display unit displays information indicating the function associated with the pressing direction at a display position corresponding to the pressing direction when viewed from a position near the center of gravity of the liquid crystal display unit, or The input device according to claim 3, wherein information related to an operation state of the device is displayed. 6. The input device according to claim 3, further comprising a switch unit that is activated by being pressed by the instruction input unit. 7. A method for inputting a user's instruction to a device, a step of associating a displacement direction of an instruction input unit for inputting the instruction with a function of the device, and displaying information indicating the function on a liquid crystal display unit. Displaying the information on the instruction input unit; acquiring information on the direction of displacement of the instruction input unit caused by the pressing; and determining the function associated with the direction of displacement. A method comprising: directing the execution of said function. 8. An image pickup device for picking up an image, comprising: an instruction input unit that changes a posture in response to a press; a press sensing unit that senses a press on the instruction input unit; A display input unit having a liquid crystal display unit that displays information indicating a function to be performed by the device in response to the pressing of the display input unit; and a display input control unit that controls the display input unit. Characteristic imaging device.